Biological Control of Fungal Plant Pathogens

Abstract

Vast experience has been gained in the biological control of soilborne and foliar diseases of fruits, grain, fiber and wood products at pre-planting, during cultivation or at post-harvest. Infection by pathogens can be reduced under controlled or field conditions by pre-inoculation of the plant surfaces with filamentous fungi, bacteria, yeasts or viruses (Blakeman and Fokkema 1982; Andrews 1992; Tronsmo 1992; Blakeman 1993; Brasier 1998; Funck Jensen and Lumsden 1999). Biocontrol offers attractive alternatives or supplements to the use of conventional methods for disease control. Microbial biocontral agents (BCAs) are perceived as being less demanding to the environment and thei generally complex mode of action makes it unlikely that resistance will develop. The interest in biocontrol is reflected in the number of scientific publications that relate to this subject.